Toxic chemicals from ski wax pollute Jizera Mountains, scientists warn
The Jizera Mountains in north-eastern Czechia are a popular destination for cross-country skiers. But scientists have confirmed that ski wax used by amateur skiers is polluting the protected landscape area with PFAS—highly toxic and persistent chemicals.
Perfluorinated substances, also known as "forever chemicals," do not break down in the environment. They accumulate in water, soil and even human bodies, posing serious health risks, such as liver damage, fertility issues, and cancer.
Despite their dangers, the chemicals are still widely used in everyday products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. They have also been a key ingredient in ski wax, helping skis glide more smoothly.
In 2019, the International Ski Federation banned fluorinated waxes for professional skiers, a rule that took effect in the 2023/2024 season. However, this ban does not apply to amateur skiers, whose continued use of fluorinated waxes is contaminating the Jizera Mountains.
Research conducted by the Academy of Science’s Institute of Microbiology has confirmed alarming levels of PFAS along the cross-country ski tracks, says researcher Miroslav Semerád:
“We found sixteen different PFAS compounds in the Jizera Mountains. These substances are still present, and the problem isn’t going away.”
While ski waxes are not the biggest source of PFAS pollution, they introduce these harmful chemicals into otherwise protected areas—many of which are used for drinking water collection. Semerád explains:
“Our results show the highest contamination in boarding zones and home stations, where fluorocarbons are released from ski waxes. When the snow melts, these chemicals enter mountain streams, eventually reaching drinking water reservoirs. This could impact water quality in the Josefův Důl and Souš reservoirs, which supply drinking water to Jablonec and Liberec.”
To measure contamination, scientists have been collecting snow, soil, and water samples from the trails for two years. Using a specialized mass spectrometer, they have analysed around 800 samples.
The results are concerning. A year ago, researchers found seven different perfluorinated substances in the area. This year, they found more than twice as many. While two previously banned substances are no longer present, they have been replaced by alternative compounds that are just as harmful.
Tomáš Cajthaml, director of the Institute for the Environment at the Faculty of Science of Charles University, warns that this pattern will continue:
“As soon as a new toxicological study is done, the so-called ‘safe’ alternatives will turn out to be just as toxic—either in the same way or in a different way. The entire group of chemicals is harmful.”
Although current PFAS levels in drinking water reservoirs do not exceed safety standards, experts warn that continued use of these chemicals poses long-term risks.
